Timing mechanism for operating switches



Oct. 6, 1936. H. HUBBELL. JR 2,056,193

TIMING MECHANISM FOR OPERATING SWITCHES Filed March 17, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR ATTORNEYS Oct. 6, 1936.

H. HUBBELL. JR

TIMING MECHANISM FOR OPERATING swITbHEs Filed March 17, 1934 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 7 INVE: TON

Oct. 6, 1936. H. HUBBELL. JR 2,056,193

TIMING MECHANISM FOR OPERATING SWITCHES Filed March 17, 19:54 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 L vi i 20 i i i: 681:? i 1 MI IM I; 183

ATTORNEYS INVENTOR Oct. 6, 1936. H. HUBBELL. JR 2,056,193

' TIMING MECHANISM FOR OPERATING SWITCHES Filed March 1'7, 1934 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 I l J" V "I p g ll H I l l //.9 m3 lzo WM F BY ATToRNEY Patented Oct. 6, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Harvey Hubbell, Jr., Bridgeport, Conn.

Application March 17,

16 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in switch operating mechanism and has particular relation to a timing mechanism for operating a switch.

An object of the invention is to provide a timing mechanism which may be applied to an installed switch to operate the same with a delayed action.

Another object is to provide a mechanism for 1 operating a switch after a desired time interval and wherein the parts include means and are so arranged that the switch may be manually operated to open or close a circuit at any time.

A further object is to provide a timing mechanism for operating a switch and which mechanism is of simple construction and may be easily applied by a householder to any already installed switch.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein satisfactory embodiments of the invention are disclosed.

However, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the details disclosed but includes all such variations and modifications as fall within the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.

In the drawings:

Fig. l is a front view with parts broken away and showing the parts of the improved switch operating timing mechanism in the positions occupied by them when the switch is open following tripping of such timing mechanism;

Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of the means of the invention, the cover and front mounting plate being omitted and the parts being shown as when the timing mechanism is in operation prior to operating a switch;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken substantially along the plane of the line 33 of Fig. 2 with the cover in place;

Fig. 4 is a sectional View taken substantially along the plane of the line 4-4 of Fig. 2 with the cover in place;

Fig. 5 is a detailed sectional View taken substantially along the plane of the line 55 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 is a detail elevational view showing an adjustable means for controlling the time interval required for the mechanism to act;

Fig. 7 is a detail view partly in section and partly in elevation and showing the means of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a View somewhat similar to Fig. l but showing a modified construction;

1934, Serial No. 716,085

Fig. 9 is a view of the device of Fig. 8 but with the cover and front frame plate removed and showing the parts in a set position prior to tripping by the timing mechanism;

Fig. 10 is an edge view of the device looking from the right in Fig. 9 but with the cover on the device and having its right side wall cut away;

Fig. 11 is a detail sectional view taken substantially along the plane of the line III I of Fig. 8

Fig. 12 is a detail elevational view showing the setting and winding means at the outer side of the cover or casing;

Fig. 13 is a detail sectional view taken substantially along the plane of the line I3--I3 of Fig. 9;

Fig. 14 is a similar view taken substantially along the plane of the line I4I4 of Fig. 9; and

Fig. 15 is a sectional view taken substantially along the plane of the line I5I5 of Fig. 10.

Referring in detail to the drawings and at first particularly to Figs. 1 through '7 the improved mechanism is shown as including a frame generally designated I0 and comprising front and rear plates II and 52 connected and held in spaced relation by corner posts I3. The inner ends of such posts may be welded to the rear plate as at I4 while their front ends are tapped to receive screws I5 attaching the front plate to the posts. Substantially all of the operating mechanism of the device is mounted between the plates II and I2. A slide I6 is mounted against the rear face of the front plate I I and to provide for the mounting of the slide the said front plate is lanced at spaced points and portions I! are pressed therefrom providing lugs arranged at the rear of the slide. The lancing and pressing of the portions II from the plate II results in the formation of spaced openings I8 in the plate.

In approximately its middle portion the rear plate I2 of the frame is provided with an opening I9 through which the operating handle 29 of a syitch 2I (mounted in any wall box 2 la) extends when the mechanism is applied to the switch. Spaced portions are lanced and pressed from the intermediate portion of the slide I6 and the arrangement is such that these portions constitute an upper lug 22 and a lower lug 23 arranged respectively at the upper and lower sides of the switch handle 20. Plate II may be provided with an enlarged opening 24 arranged opposite the opening I9 of the plate I2 so that switch handles of somewhat greater length may be accommodated, and this plate II is also provided with a slot 25 through which extends a pin 25 riveted or otherwise secured to the slide I6 as at 21 and this pin has a hand piece 28 threaded on its outer portion. On manipulation of the hand piece 28 the slide I6 may be moved up and down and as it is moved upwardly its lug 23 will engage the switch handle 20 and operate the same to shift it upwardly to close the switch, and as the hand piece is moved downwardly the lug 22 of the slide will engage the switch handle and move it downwardly to open the switch.

The timing means includes a suitable gear train 29 and any suitable escapement 30, that shown including the balance wheel 3| and the ratchet 32. All ofthese parts are located between the plates H and I2, and also located between such plates is a lever 33 pivoted intermediate its ends as at 34 and at its inner end provided with rack teeth 35 meshing with a pinion 36 of the gear train 29. This pinion 36 is on the shaft with the usual pawl and ratchet meansof a timing mechanism and including the ratchet wheel 31 and the spring pressed pawl 38. A coil spring 39 is at one end connected with the lever 33 as by being hooked over a pin 46 carried by said lever between its pivot point 34 and its rack 35. At its other end spring 39 is anchored to a screw or other adjustable means 4! which in turn is secured to a plate 42 extending between and secured to each of the frame plates H and I2.

Lever 33 is adapted to be manually manipulated in one direction and to this end a portion of the lever extends outwardly of the frame providing a finger piece 43. On depressing the end portion 43 of the lever 33 the latter will be rocked about its pivot 34 as from the position of Fig. 1 to that of Fig. 2. This will result in a tensioning of the spring 39 and will result in the inner end portion of the lever being so disposed that the rack 35 has its lower teeth in mesh with the pinion 36. Owing to the presence of the pawl and ratchet 36 and 31, the rack 35 may be thus moved without having its motion transmitted through the gear train to the escapement 36. When the lever 33 is manually operated as above described to tension the spring 39 or wind the timing mechanism the latter is set for tripping or throwing the switch as will later be more fully set forth.

A lever 44 is arranged within the frame l6 and pivoted to the plate l2 thereof at 45. This lever includes an upper arm 46 and a lower arm 41, the latter being offset as at 48 and this ofiset portion 48 carries a hook 49 to which is connected one end of a spring 56. The arm 41 of lever 44 extends over the lug 22 of the slide and rests on top of it. At its lower end the spring 58 is attached to a screw 5| adjustable through the plate 42 to vary the tension of the spring as will be understood.

A trigger mechanism generally designated 52 is arranged within the frame above the lever 44 and includes a bell crank 53 pivoted to the plate l2 at 54 and comprising arms 55 and 56, the former of which includes a hook or shoulder 51. A dog 58 is pivoted as by means 59 to the outer end of the arm 56 and said dog includes an upwardly extending arm 60 and a forwardly extending arm 6|, the latter including an inwardly bent end portion 62 (Fig. 5) disposed beneath the bell crank arm 56. Also, carried by the arm 6| of the dog is a stud 63 to which is secured the lower end of a relatively small coil spring 64, the other or upper end of said spring being anchored on a pin 65 carried by the frame. A stop 66 limits upward movement of the crank arm 56.

The shaft 34 pivotally mounting the lever 33 is rigid with such lever and carries a tripping member 61 including a finger-like piece 68 projecting to engage the arm 60 of the dog 58 at the proper times. The spring 64 constantly draws upwardly on the arm 6| of said dog and since such arm includes the inturned end portion 62 located under the bell crank arm 53 the spring has a constant tendency to rock the bell crank about its pivot 54 in a direction to draw an arm of the bell crank into engagement with the stop 66. While the bent end 62 prevents the dog 58 moving in one direction about its pivot 59 it will be apparent that the dog may be rocked in the opposite or in a counter-clockwise direction as viewed in Figs. 1 and 2, independent of movement of the bell crank, against the action of the spring 64.

When the device is to be installed the ordinary wall or face plate over the switch 2| is removed and screw studs 69 carried by the frame have their inner ends 10 threaded into the mounting yoke 2") of the switch 2| into the places formerly occupied by the plate attaching screws. The operating handle 20 of the switch is disposed between the lugs 22 and 23. Next, a cover II is arranged over the frame In and this cover is secured in place by screws 12 threaded into the outer end portions of the screws 69 which are tapped to receive them. If desired, screws 12 may, of course, be the screws formerly employed to secure the wall plate in place. taching the frame to the switch it is only necessary that the frame be so positioned as to have the switch handle 28 projecting into the frame through the opening 19 in the rear wall thereof and into position between the slide carried lugs 22 and 23. In its front wall, the cover H is provided with a slot 13 through which extends the stem 26 carrying the hand piece 28, and it will be noted that the said hand piece is removed from the stem to permit the cover to be applied and is thereafter again threaded onto the stem.

With the device attached as above described the lever 33 will project through a slot 14 in a side of the cover 1| so that the finger piece 43 of the lever will be exposed for manipulation. Now, assuming that the parts are positioned as shown in Fig. 1 with the switch in open position, it it is desired to close the switch the operator simply forces the hand piece 28 upwardly from the position of Fig. l to the position of Figs. 2 and 3 and this, of course, results in an upward movement of the slide I6 and the lug 23 of the latter will force the switch handle 20 upwardly to close the switch. This is ordinarily a snap acting switch. As the slide is moved upwardly its lug 22 carries the arm 41 of the lever 44 upwardly rocking the lever about its pivot and tensioning the spring 50. This movement of the lever 44 also results in its arm 46 being carried upwardly and said arm engages the lower portion of bell crank arm 55 and forces the same outwardly against the action of spring 64, and after said lever arm 46 moves upwardly a further distance the spring 64 again rocks the bell crank to dispose the hook or shoulder 51 of the arm 55 beneath the free end of the lever arm 46 thus retaining it in its upper position.

In this way the lever 44 is secured by the trigger means 52 in a cocked or set position with the spring 50 tensioned. While this manipulation of the slide results in the securing of the lever in cooked or set position it is to be noted that the timing mechanism is not set into operation. The lever 33 will remain in the position In atin which it is shown in Fig. 1. With the parts thus positioned the hand piece 28 may be operated whenever desired so as to open or close the switch 2| at will and independent of the lever 44, trigger means 52 and the timing mechanism. Manipulation of this knob or hand piece will move slide I6 up and down and operate the switch handle 20. The switch may thus be operated in the usual manner during the day time without using the timing mechanism.

After the slide has been once manipulated to cook or set the lever 44 the timing mechanism may be set to automatically operate the switch. To accomplish this the finger piece 43 of the lever 33 is pressed to rock the free end of the lever downwardly or in a clockwise direction, and this as before explained results in a tensioning of the spring 39 and results in the rack 35 being so shifted that its lower teeth are in engagement with the pinion 36 of the gear train 29. This same movement results in the finger portion 68 of the tripping means 61 being moved from the outward side of the arm 60 of dog 58 as shown in Fig. 1 to the inner side of said arm as shown in Fig. 2. The spring 64 yields to permit the dog to rock on its pivot 59 for this purpose.

Now, assuming that the slide has been operated to close the switch 2| the spring 39 is wound and as it draws on the lever 33 the counter-clockwise motion of said lever under the influence of this spring is controlled by the timing mechanism. After the lever has moved down a sufiicient distance the finger 68 of the releasing member 61 engages the upstanding arm of the dog 58 on its inner surface and as said dog may not rock in a-clockwise direction, due to engagement of its end portion 62 with the underside of the lever arm 56, the entire bell crank lever 53 will be rocked about its pivot 54 carrying the hook or shoulder 51 of its arm 55 from beneath the arm 46 of the cooked lever 44. As the lever is released the spring 56 immediately acts to pull said lever downwardly and the arm 48 of the lever being over the slide lug 22 engages the latter and forces the slide downwardly shifting the switch handle 20 to open the switch. After the lever or catch 53 is tripped to release lever 44, the timing mechanism continues to run for a short time to carry arm 68 by or to the right of arm or dog 58, to thus release the catch 53 and permit it to return to its normal position to engage arm 46 of lever 44 the next time this lever is raised as the switch lever is moved to on position by upward shifting of slide I6.

Movement of the lever 33 by the spring 39 is limited owing to the presence of a stop pin 15. It will be noted by reference to Fig. 1 that pin 15 is so located as to prevent the rack 35 of lever 33 from moving entirely out of engagement with the pinion 35. It will be seen the time interval required for the opening of the switch M will depend on the distance the finger 68 of the tripping means must move in order to engage the dog 58 and cause movement of the bell crank 53 to release the cocked lever 44. This distance depends on the extent to which the lever 33 is moved and the maximum that said lever may be moved would be such that its rack 35 is not carried completely out of register with the pinion 36.

Any movement up to this maximum may be given and to control such movement a cam 15 is pivotally mounted on the side of the housing H as by a bolt 11. On the bolt with this cam is a spring or friction washer 18 to hold the cam in adjusted position and for ease of adjustment the cam is shown as provided with a handle or finger piece 19. As the cam is rocked on its pivot to bring its high portion beneath the lever 33 movement of such lever is limited and it will be apparent that by this means fine adjustments may be made so as to vary the time interval required for tripping of the trigger means. Of course, means other than the cam 16 may be employed for controlling the throw of the lever 33 and thus controlling the time interval which will be required for the automatic operation of the switch 21.

From the foregoing description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings it will be apparent that I have provided a simple and reliable mechanism for the operation of switches with a delayed action. The device is entirely separate from the switch and may be easily and quickly applied by any householder, it being unnecessary to disconnect the switch or in any way change or touch the wiring thereof. When a device is in place attached to a switch the switch may be manually operated at Will simply by manipulating the hand piece 28, and the first operation of this hand piece to close the switch shifts the lever 44 to cock or set the same. A cam or other means 16 may be easily adjusted from the outer side of the housing 1| so as to vary the time interval which will be required for the automatic operation of the switch after the lever 33 has been swung to the limit of its movement in a clockwise direction.

It will be noted the movement or action in pressing lever end 43 down to start the mecha nism operating is practically the same movement as would be used in swinging the switch lever 26 downward to throw off the switch if no timing mechanism were present. Thus to set this device the operator merely uses the same motion he would to put out the lights with ordinary operation of the switch. The user may depress the lever end 43 and then go about his business and be assured the switch will be operated some time v later to put the lights out. 7 Thus for example if the switch controls the lights downstairs in a home, as the user is ready to go upstairs he depresses lever end 43. This does not put the lights out so he still has the use of them to assist him in going up the stairs or doing other things he may wish, and after he no longer needs the lights they are automatically extinguished. While the means of the present-invention has been particularly described as used for operating a switch to open a light circuit it will be appreciated that the means may open a switch for any other purpose and it will also be apparent that by reversing the mechanism or turning the device end for end it may be utilized for closing a switch at the end of a predetermined time in terval.

Referring now to Figs. 8 through 13 the improved means as there disclosed includes a frame generally designated and comprising front and rear plates 8| and 82 connected at their corner portions and held in spaced relation by posts 83 the inner ends of which may be welded or otherwise permanently connected with the rear plate and the forward ends of which are tapped for the reception of screws 84 used to attach or secure the front plates to the post. A slide 35 corresponding in every respect with the slide N5 of the form of the invention first considered is mounted against the rear or inner side of the mounted against the rear or inner side of the sliding movement thereon by spaced studs 86 carried by the front plate and having enlarged heads 81 overlapping the inner surface of the slide. The shanks of the studs guide the slide in its movement and the heads of the studs prevent the slide moving away from the plate.

A cover or housing encloses the frame and the mechanism mounted therein and such housing is preferably permanently attached to the frame. To this end the housing is provided at its opposite end portions with lugs- 89 which lugs are bent to extend into notches 90 provided for their reception in the rear face of the plate 82 of the frame. A stem 9| is at its inner end rigidly connected with the slide 85 as by being headed over at 92 and this stem extends through a slot in the plate 8| and a slot 93 in the front wall of the housing 88, and to the outer portion of the stem there is secured a hand piece 94. If desired, such hand piece may be attached to the stem by means of a screw 95 threaded into the tapped outer end of the stem and having its head disposed in a recess or countersink in the outer end of the hand piece as clearly shown in Fig. 10. It will be noted that the hand piece 94 has oppositely extending flanges or skirt portions 96 which portions serve to cover the slot 93 in all positions of the hand piece. Movement of the hand piece will result in a corresponding movement of the slide 85.

In approximately its central portion the rear frame plate 82 is provided with an opening 91 and when the improved timing mechanism is mounted on a switch the handle or hand piece of the switch extends through such opening. Referring particularly to Fig. 10 there is shown a switch 2| mounted in any or the usual wall box 2|a and including any or the usual mounting yoke 2|b on which the switch mechanism with its insulating body 2| is mounted. The switch is mounted in the wall box 2 la by mounting screws 2Ic extending through the yoke 2|b and threaded into ears 2 Id of the wall box. The handle 20 of the switch 2| is shown extending through the openings 91 in the rear frame plate 82 and the entire device is mounted on the switch in place of the usual wall plate. Within the device there is an arbor 98 and when the device is to be mounted on the switch the wall plate of the switch and its screws are removed. Thereafter a stud 99 is threaded into one of the openings provided in the yoke 2| b for the reception of a wall plate securing screw. Arbor 98 is tubular and the device is applied to the switch by having the outer end portion of stud 99 pass into the arbor which, it will be understood, is journaled at its respective ends in the plates 8| and 82 of the frame.

This disposes the present mechanism over the front of the switch and thereafter a relatively long screw I00 is passed through registering openings in the housing 88 and frame plates 8| and 82 and is threaded into the other opening provided in the yoke 2|b for the reception of a wall plate securing screw. In this way the entire device is easily mounted on the switch and is removable therefrom simply by taking out the screw I00. The head of this screw lies flush with the outer surface of the housing 88 as best shown in Fig. 10 so as not to interfere with movement of the hand piece 94 and so as not to detract from the appearance of the device.

At its lower end the slide 85 is slotted or bifurcated as at IN to clear the screw I00 and at its upper end it is similarly formed at I02 so as to clear the arbor 98. In its central portion the slide is lanced and has portions pressed therefrom providing an upper lug I03 and a lower lug I04 which lugs as best shown in Fig. 10 extend respectively at the upper and lower sides of the switch handle 20. In other words when a device is in place on a switch the switch handle extends between the lugs I03 and I04 carried by the slide. It will, therefore, be apparent that on movement of the slide in one direction one of its lugs would engage the switch handle to throw the same or operate the same and that on movement of the slide in the opposite direction the other lug thereof will engage the switch handle and shift the same to operate the switch. Therefore, it will be apparent that the switch may be manually operated at any time independent of the timing mechanism for automatically operating the switch which mechanism will now be described.

The timing mechanism comprises a clockwork generally designated I05 and including a gear train comprising a relatively large gear I08 on the arbor 98 and the movement of which is controlled by the escapement I01 of the gear train. A spring I08 has its inner end secured to the arbor 98 and has its other end secured to a stud or post I09 carried by the rear plate 82 of the frame. Obviously, on turning of the arbor in one direction the spring I08 will be wound and the clockwork I05 will serve to control the unwinding of the spring, and as the spring unwinds it will rotate the arbor in the opposite direction.

Carried by the arbor 98 and rotatable therewith is a member or disc II 0 having a cam or tooth like portion III. Also, this member IIO carries a pin or stud I I2 extending laterally from the front face thereof and in the direction of. the front plate 8| of the frame. Such plate carries a similar stud H3, and it is noted that the relationship of these studs is such that stud II 3 projects into the path of movement of the stud H2. The functions of these parts will later be fully described, the stud ||3 acting as a limit stop for stud H2 and disc IIO.

Arbor 98 projects through the front plate 8| of the frame and the front wall of the housing 88, and mounted on the outer end of the arbor and secured thereto by a screw 4 is a hand piece I|5 having a pointer or indicating portion ||6 for reading in connection with any suitable scale III pressed or printed in or on the outer wall of the housing, or applied thereto in the form of a dial plate or the like having the desired indicating characters thereon. It will be apparent that on rotation of the hand piece 5 in the proper direction the arbor 98 will be turned to wind the spring I08.

Pivotally secured to the front plate 8| of the frame as by a rivet or the like 8 is a lever I I9 and the location and length of this lever is such that its free end portion I20 extends over the upper lug I03 of the slide 85 in all positions of the slide and lever. A lever I 2| is also pivoted to the frame plate 8| and the pivot for such lever is intermediate the ends thereof and is designated I22. A coil spring I23 is connected at its upper end to a hook I24 formed with or carried by the lever I I9 and the lower end of such spring is anchored to a stud I25 projecting inwardly from the lower free end portion of the relatively long vertically extending lever I2 I. The tendency of the spring is to rock both levers about their pivots.

In one edge and adjacent its upper end the lever I2I is cut away as at I26 for a purpose to be described, and below this cut away portion the lever is provided with a shoulder I21. At the side of its spring connection opposite its pivot II8 lever II9 carries a small lug I28 which lug may be formed by lancing and pressing a portion latterally from the edge of the lever. It will be apparent that the tendency of the spring I23 is to turn the lever I2I about its pivot in a direction to move its upper end portion toward the arbor 98. It is also the tendency of this spring to swing the lever I I9 about its pivot in a direction to have said lever pressed downwardly on the upper lug I03 of the slide and to bring the lug I28 of the lever into engagement withthe inner or shouldered edge of the lever I2I.

In the operation of the device when the hand piece 94 is shifted upwardly it will shift the slide 85 and the lug I04 of the latter will engage the underside of the switch handle 20 to shift the same upwardly, and ordinarily will throw the switch to closing position although the switch may be arranged to open on this movement. On downward movement of the hand piece the lug I03 of the slide will engage the upper side of the switch handle and shift the same to its opposite position, in the present case to switch opening position. Therefore, a switch may be manually operated. Assuming that the parts are as shown in Fig. 8, the switch will be open and as the hand piece and slide are moved upwardly the switch will be closed and the upper lug I03 of the slide will engage the free end portion I20 of the lever H9 and rock said lever upwardly about its pivot. When the lug I28 of said lever clears the shoulder I2I of the lever I2I the spring I23 acting on the last mentioned lever will shift it to bring its shoulder below said lug I28 of the lever I IS. The lever II9 will then be held in its upper or cooked position and the further manual operation of the slide and thereby the switch will be entirely independent of the lever.

The shoulder I21 of lever I2I and the lug I28 of lever II9 provide a trigger means and are in engagement when such levers are as shown in Fig. 9 with the lever I I9 in cocked position. The timing means may be set to automatically release such trigger means or release the lug I28 from shoulder I21. When this occurs the spring I23 will draw the lever II9 downwardly about its pivot and the free end of the lever being in engagement with the lug I23 of the slide the slide will be forced downwardly and its said lug engaging the upper edge of the switch handle 20 the switch will be opened. With the lever I I9 in cocked position the hand piece H5 at the outer side of the housing 88 is turned to set the timing mechanism if it is desired to have the switch automatically operated. As the hand piece is turned it rotates the arbor 98 and winds the spring I08 and sets the clockwork mechanism I05 in operation. Also, movement of the hand piece results in movement of the pointer I I6 over the scale Ill so as to instantly indicate to the operator the extent to which the spring I08 is being wound and as to the time interval during which automatic operation of the switch will be delayed.

As the spring I08 unwinds, being controlled by the clockwork mechanism, it rotates the arbor 98 and the hand piece and carries the pointer across the dialI IIand also rotates the tripping disc or member I I0. As shown the unwinding of the spring turns these parts in a clockwise direction and of course the spring is wound by turning the hand piece H5 in a counter-clockwise direction. Rotation of the hand piece and arbor to wind the spring I08 is limited to slightly less than one complete revolution of these parts since when the member I I0 is moved in a counter-c1ockwise direction to the extent necessary to bring its stud I I2 into engagement with the stud I I3 on the frame plate 8I further turning movement of the parts in a counter-clockwise direction is prevented.

The tripping tooth or projection II I on the member I It bears a certain spaced relation to the stud II2 on said member and this relationship is such that as the parts are driven in a clockwise direction by the spring I08 the tripping tooth III will engage the lever I2I above its cutaway portion I26 prior to the time that the stud II2 comes against the stud H3. The said tooth engaging the lever i2I as stated rocks it about its pivot in opposition to the spring I23 so as to carry its shoulder I27 from beneath the lug I28 of lever II9 to permit the spring I23 to pull such lever I I9 downwardly and cause it to operate the slide to throw the switch. When the tooth iII moves into the cutaway portion I26 of the lever I2I the stud II2 of member IIO engages the stud II3 on the plate 8|. This engagement of the studs takes place after the device has been tripped and is delayed for a suiiicient time interval to permit the tooth I II to move into the space I26 so that the tooth will be free of the lever I26 and the latter may seek its proper position with relation to lever H9 with the lug I28 of the last mentioned lever in engagement with the inner edge of the lever I2I as fully shown in Fig. 8. Also, this relationship of parts is such and the lever I2I is cutaway sufiiciently at I26 that on the hand piece 94 being moved to again close the switch the lever I2I may shift inwardly to carry its shoulder I2'I beneath the lug I28 of lever II9 to rock the same in cocked position.

If there was not a slight overrun of the part IIO after the tripping operation the lug or tooth II I of such part would remain in a position preventing lever I2I moving inwardly to dispose its shoulder I2I beneath the lug I28 of lever II9 the next time the latter was elevated. The lever II9 would not be caught or held in its elevated position unless disc H0 was first turned counterclockwise to move lug III away from lever I2I. However, as the tooth I I I does move into the notch or cutaway part of the lever I2I such inconveniences are avoided. In Fig. 8 the levers are shown in their dotted line positions as when cooked or set for automatic operation and in their full line positions as when tripped, and it will be noted in this figure that in its full line position the tooth II I of member I I0 is in position about to trip the levers from their dotted line positions.

From the foregoing description it will be apparent that with the means of Figs. 8 through 15 the switch 2I may be manually operated at will or may be automatically operated. Therefore, the device of the modification has the advantages mentioned when considering the structure of Figs. 1 through 7. Further, the device as shown in the modification is of somewhat simpler construction and is easily mounted and removed since it is but necessary to operate the single screw I00. The lever I I9 is automatically placed in cocked position simply by operating the slide 94 to manually close the switch and through the hand piece H5 the timing mechanism may be set to trip the switch after any desired time interval. Further, the extent to which this hand piece I I5 is rotated will be clearly indicated by the association of the pointer I IS with the various indicating characters of the scale Ill. It will also be understood that the device is not limited to use in opening a switch since the device may obviously be reversed when applied to a switch so as to operate to automatically close the switch.

Having thus set forth the nature of my said invention, what 'I claim is:

1. In a timing mechanism for operating a switch, a mounting frame, means to secure said frame in a position associated with a switch, a slide on said frame and shiftable thereon to operate a switch, a spring means for shifting said slide in one direction to operate the switch, a trigger means to secure said spring means in a cocked position, a timing means controlling said triggermeans, said timing means including a gear train and an escapement controlling the same, a lever pivoted intermediate its ends, a rack at one end of said lever and meshing with a gear of said train, a spring anchored at one end and at its other end connected with said lever between its pivot and said rack whereby on rocking of said lever in one direction about its pivot the spring is tensioned and thereafter rocks the lever in the opposite direction to operate said escapement.

2. In a timing mechanism for operating a switch, a frame, means to mount said frame'on a lever toggle switch with the switch handle extending into the frame, a slide on the frame, a pair of spaced lugs on the slide and receiving the switch handle between them, a spring operated lever including a portion disposed to engage one of said lugs to shift the slide and operate the switch when the lever is operated by the spring, a trigger means normally holding the spring operated lever in a cooked position, and a timing means controlling said trigger means;

3. In a timing mechanism for operating a switch, a frame, means to mount said frame on a lever toggle switch with the switch handle extending into the frame, a slide on the frame, a pair of spaced lugs on the slide and receiving the switch handle between them, a spring operated lever including a portion disposed to engage one of said lugs toshift the slide and operate the switch when the lever is operated by the spring, a trigger means normally holding the spring operated lever in a cocked position, a timing means controlling said trigger means, and manual means to shift said slide independent of said lever and trigger means to operate the switch at will.

4. In a timing mechanism for operating a switch, a mounting frame, means to secure said frame in a position associated with a switch, a slide on said frame and shiftable thereon to opcrate a switch, a spring means for shifting said slide in one-direction to operate the switch, a trigger means to secure said spring means in a cocked position, a timing means controlling said trigger means, said timing means including a gear train and an escapement controlling the same, a lever pivoted intermediate its ends, a rack at one end of said lever and meshing with a gear of said train, a spring anchored at one end and at its other end connected with said lever between its pivot and said rack whereby on rocking of said lever in one direction about its pivot the spring is tensioned and thereafter rocks the lever in the opposite direction to operate said escapement, and adjustable means to limit the throw of said lever in the first direction whereby to regulate the length of the time interval required for said timing means to act to release said trigger means.

5. In atiming mechanism for operating a switch, a mounting frame, means to secure said frame in a position associated with a switch, a slide on said frame and shiftable thereon to opera-tc a switch, a spring means for shifting said slide in one direction to operate the switch, a trigger means to secure said spring means in a cooked position, a timing means controlling said trigger means, said timing means including a gear train and an escapement controlling the same, alever' pivoted intermediate its ends, a rack at one end of said lever and meshing with a gear of said train, a spring anchored at one end and at its other end connected with said lever between its pivot and said rack whereby on rocking of said lever in one direction about its pivot the spring is tensioned and thereafter rocks the lever in the opposite direction to operate said escapement, and means for adjusting the tension of said spring independent of said lever.

6. In a timing mechanism for operating a switch, a mounting frame, means to secure said frame to a switch in place of the usual wall plate, timing means on said frame to shift the switch after a-predetermined time interval, a housing enclosing said frame and mechanism, said housing having a slot in a wall thereof, and a hand piece operable through said slot for manual operation of switch at will.

7. In a timing mechanism for operating a switch, a mounting frame, a slide on said frame, a hand piece connected with said slide for manual manipulation of the slide, means providing an operative connection between said slide and an operating member of a switch, a timing mechanism on said frame, a lever, means pivoting said lever on the frame, an operative connection between said lever and timing mechanism whereby on manual manipulation of the lever in one directionsaid timing means is wound and thereafter operates said lever in the opposite direction, a second lever, means pivoting said second lever on'the frame, a coil spring connected at oneend with said second lever and at its opposite end anchored to said frame, said second lever including aportion to be engaged by said slide as the-latter is moved to close a switch whereby as the'slide is moved to close a switch the second leveris moved about its pivot against the action of the-spring, a trigger means on said frame to engage said second lever and hold it in cocked position with said spring tensioned, and means movable with the first lever and operable to release said trigger means as the first lever is moved by the timing means to thereby release the sec- 'ond lever and permit it to operate the slide and open the switch.

8. In a timing mechanism for operating a switch, a mounting frame, a slide on said frame, means providing an operative connection between said slide and an operating member of a switch, a timing mechanism on said frame, a. lever, means pivoting said lever on the frame, an operative connection between said lever and timing mechanism whereby on manual manipulation of the lever in one direction said timing means is wound and thereafter operates said lever in the opposite direction, a second lever, means pivoting said second lever on the frame, a coil spring connected at one end with said second lever and at its opposite end anchored to said frame and adapted to move said lever in one direction, said lever including a portion to engage the slide and move the same to operate the switch when the lever is moved by the coil spring, a trigger means on the frame to engage the second lever and hold it in cocked position with said coil spring tensioned, and means movable with the first lever and operable to release said trigger means as the first lever is moved by the timing means.

9. In a timing mechanism for operating a switch, a mounting frame, means to secure said frame to a switch, said means including a stud having its inner end threaded into a wall plate screw hole in the switch yoke, said frame having an opening receiving said stud, a screw passing through the frame and threaded into the other wall plate screw hole in the switch yoke, and a timing means on the frame to shift the switch after a predetermined time interval.

10. In a timing mechanism for operating a switch, a mounting frame, means to secure said frame in operative association with a switch, means shiftable on the frame to operate a switch, a lever pivoted on the frame and operable in one direction to shift said means to operate the switch, a spring for operating the lever in such direction, a second lever pivoted on the frame and including a shoulder to be engaged by and maintain the first lever in position against the action of said spring, and a timing mechanism on the frame and including means to engage and rock said second lever to release the first lever for operation by the spring.

11. In a timing mechanism for operating a switch, a mounting frame, means to secure said frame in operative association with a switch, means shiftable on the frame to operate a switch, a lever pivoted on the frame and operable in one direction to shift said means to operate the switch, a spring for operating the lever in such direction, a second lever pivoted on the frame and including a shoulder to be engaged by and maintain the first lever in position against the action of said spring, said spring connected at one end to the second lever and maintaining it in position with its shoulder positioned for engagement with the first lever, and timing mechanism also on said frame and including means to engage an end portion of the second lever and rock it against the action of the spring to release the first lever for operation by the spring.

12. In a timing mechanism for operating a switch, a mounting frame, means to secure said frame in operative association with a switch, means shiftable on the frame to operate the switch, a lever pivoted on the frame and operable in one direction about its pivot to shift said means and operate the switch, a second lever pivoted intermediate its ends on the frame and having a shoulder portion, a lug on the first lever to engage said shoulder portion whereby to secure the first lever in a cocked position, a spring connected at one end with the first lever and at its other end with the second lever at the side of its pivot opposite its shoulder portion, said spring operative to shift the first lever about its pivot to operate said shiftable means to throw the switch on release of the lug of the first lever from the shoulder of the second lever, and a timing mechanism on said frame and operable at a predetermined time to rock said second lever on its pivot to thereby carry its shoulder portion out of the path of the lug of the first lever whereby the spring may operate the latter tothrow the switch.

13. In a timing mechanism for operating a switch, a mounting frame, means to secure said frame in operative association with a switch, means shiftable on the frame to operate the switch, a lever pivoted on the frame and operable in one direction about its pivot to shift said means and operate the switch, a second lever pivoted intermediate its ends on the frame and having a shoulder portion, a lug on the first lever to engage said shoulder portion whereby to secure the first lever in a cooked position, a spring connected at one end with the first lever and at its other end with the second lever at the side of its pivot opposite its shoulder portion, said spring operative to shift the first lever about its pivot to operate said shiftable means to throw the switch on release of the lug of the first lever from the shoulder of the second lever, a timing mechanism on said frame and operable at a predetermined time to rock said second lever on its pivot to thereby carry its shoulder portion out of the path of the lug of the first lever whereby the spring may operate the latter to throw the switch, said timing mechanism including a rotatable means to engage and rock the second lever, means to rotate said means, a stud on said means, and a stud on said frame and in the path of movement of the stud on the means whereby to limit rotation of said means.

14. In a timing mechanism for operating a switch, a mounting frame, means to secure said frame in a position associated with a switch, a slide on said frame and shiftable thereon to operate a switch, a spring operated means for shifting said slide in one direction to operate the switch, a trigger means to secure said spring operated means in a cooked position, a timing means controlling said trigger means, said timing means including a gear train and escapement, a spring, an arbor, means operable from the outer side of said frame to rotate said arbor to wind the spring, and a tripping means rotatable with said arbor and adapted to be shifted by the unwinding of the spring to release said trigger means and permit said spring operated means to shift the slide and operate the switch.

15. In a timing mechanism for operating a manually operated switch mounted on a yoke secured in a wall outlet box and which yoke has tapped openings for receiving the securing screws of a wall plate, a mounting frame, screws in said frame to enter said openings to secure said frame to the switch in place of the wall plate, timing means on said frame connected to the manual operating means for the switch to shift the switch after a predetermined time interval, a housing enclosing the frame and mechanism, and a hand piece outside the housing for operation of said manual means.

16. In a timing mechanism for operating a switch, a mounting frame, means to secure said frame to a manually operated toggle switch mounted in a wall outlet box in place of the usual wall plate, timing mechanism on said frame, means connecting said timing mechanism to the manually operable means of the switch to operate the switch after a. predetermined time interval, and a hand piece on the frame for manual operation of the switch.

HARVEY HUBBELL, JR.

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION.

Patent N0. 2,056,193. October 6, 1936,

HARVEY HUBBELL, JR.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 1 second column, line 41, for "syitch" read switch; page 4, first column, line 1, strike out "mounted against the rear or inner side of the" and insert instead the words front plate 81 and is held against said plate for; page 5, second column, line 40, for "cutaway" read cut away; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with these corrections therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 23rd day of March, A. D. 1937.

Henry Van Arsdale (Seal) Acting, Commissioner of. Patents,

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION.

Patent No. 2,056,193. October 6, 1936,

HARVEY HUB BELL, JR.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification. of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 1, second column, line 41, for "syitch" read switch; page 4, first column, line 1, strike out "mounted against the rear or inner side of the" and insert instead the words front plate 81 and is held against said plate for; page 5, second column, line 40, for "cutaway" read cut away; and that. the said Letters Patent should be read with these corrections therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 23rd day of March, A. D. 1937.

Henry Van Arsdale (Seal) Acting Commissioner of Patents.

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION.

Patent No. 2,056,195. 0ctober 6, 1936,

HARVEY HUBBELL, JR.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 1, second column, line 41, for "syitch" read switch; page 4, first column, line 1, strike out "mounted against the rear or inner side of the" and insert instead the words front plate 81 and is held against said plate for; page 5, second column, line 40, for "cutaway" read cut away; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with these corrections therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 23rd day of March, A. D. 1937.

Henry Van Arsdale (Seal) Acting Commissioner of Patents. 

